GENERAL
| SCHOOL | School of Economics and Political Science |
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| DEPARTMENT | Sociology |
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| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
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| COURSE CODE | 431104 |
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| COURSE TITLE | Sociology of Higher Education (HE) |
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| Independent Teaching Activities |
Weekly Teaching Hours |
CREDIT UNITS |
| — |
| Course Type | Special Background |
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| Prerequisite Courses | No |
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| Teaching and Examination Language | Greek |
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| THE COURSE IS OFFERED TO ERASMUS STUDENTS | No |
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| Course Webpage (URL) | https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/SOC264/ |
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(2) LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- to know what we define as a university
- to analyze inequalities in access
- to understand the institution and its role in mobility strategies, university-labor market relations, and higher education management policies.
- The goal is the critical understanding of the university's role in modern society.
General Capabilities
- Cultivation of reflective thought and critical thinking,
- Search, analysis and synthesis of data and information, using the necessary tools: literature search, project execution: individual or team work
- Working in an interdisciplinary environment
- Generation of new research ideas
- Respect for diversity and multiculturalism, demonstration of social, professional, and ethical responsibility and gender sensitivity
(3) COURSE CONTENT
The course examines the institution of higher education from a sociological perspective. The historical evolution of higher education is presented, taking into account relevant examples (e.g., Italy, Great Britain, America, France, Greece). Social inequalities in access, mobility strategies, the relationship between the university and the labor market, and higher education management policies are analyzed. Evaluation processes, the impacts of the massification of studies, and internationalization are investigated. The course draws upon reproduction theories (e.g., Bourdieu) and critical pedagogy. The objective is a critical understanding of the university's role in modern society.
(4) TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS – EVALUATION
| DELIVERY METHOD | Face to face |
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| Information and Communication Technologies |
- PowerPoint presentation,
- Display of supporting audiovisual material
- Support of the learning process through the e-class electronic platform
|
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| Activity |
Semester Workload |
| Lectures |
39 |
| Work |
39 |
| Standalone Study |
69 |
| Participation in exams |
3 |
| Course Summary |
150 |
Student Evaluation
| Process Description Evaluation |
- Attendance and Participation (20%)
- Preparation and Presentation of a Project (20%)
- Final Exam (60%)
Includes:
- Comparative evaluation of theories & critical evaluation of a specific case
They are listed and available on e-class
|
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(5) RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Suggested Bibliography
- Gavroglou K., Karamanolakis V., Barkoula C., The University of Athens and its History (1837-1937), University Publications of Crete – Historical Archive of NKUA, Athens 2014. Book Code in Eudoxus: 41963248.
- Bourdieu Pierre – Passeron Jean – Claude, The heirs. Students and Culture, Karadamitsa, Athens 2019 (3rd edition). Eudoxus Book Code: 112696406.
- Bourdieu, P., Homo Academicus, Stanford University Press, 1988.
- Hilde de Ridder-Symoens (ed.), A History of the University in Europe, Vol. I: Universities in the Middle Ages, Cambridge 1992, p. 506.
- Hilde de Ridder-Symoens (ed.), A History of the University in Europe, Vol. VII: Universities in Early Modern Europe (1500–1800), Cambridge 1996, pp. 711.
- Walter Rüegg (ed.), A History of the University in Europe, Vol. III: Universities in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries, Cambridge 2004, p. 776.
- Walter Rüegg (ed.), A History of the University in Europe, IV: Universities since 1945, Cambridge 1992, p. 506.
- Kerr, C. 2001. The Uses of the University (5th ed.). Harvard University Press.
- John Henry Newman, 1852. The Idea of a University.
- Andriakiaina E. 2021. A Canary in a Coal Mine. Stories about Failed Modernities and the Purpose of the University, Athens: Asini.
- Andriakaiena E. 2025. Management at the University? Three heretical texts over the course of a century, Athens: Asini.
- Apple, M. 2008, Official Knowledge. Translated by M. Batilas. Thessaloniki: Epikentro.
- Asderaki, F. 2008. Europe and Education. The European Higher Education Area, Athens: I. Sideris.
- Ballantine, H., & Hammack, F. 2015. Sociology of Education. Athens: Epikentro
- Gavroglou, K. 2025, Digitalization and Universities: Aspects of a New Paradigm, Athens: Asini
- Bouzakis, S. 2006. Higher Education in Greece (1836–2005). Historical Documents, two volumes, Athens: Gutenberg.
